The Federal Government will partner Agbeyewa Farm Ltd to improve agricultural production and enhance food security.

 Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said this yesterday in Ekiti State when he visited the 10,000-hectares Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, located in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area.

 The partnership, according to him, would help create multiplier of positive impacts on agriculture sector, including boosting food production, reducing poverty and creating jobs.

 Kyari, who was impressed by Agbeyewa Farm’s huge investment in agricultural production, lauded its Founder, Mr John Olajide, for his efforts in transforming the agricultural landscape.

 The inister said the farm’s agricultural exploits and transformation agenda aligns strictly with the President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustained food security and economic stability.

 He acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers in transporting their produce to markets, assuring that government would address this issue to avert post-harvest loss and enhance productivity.

Managing Director of the Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed its commitment to becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied enterprise while fostering sustainable agricultural investments and community empowerment.

He the company had already cultivated 1,500 hectares of cassava across four farms in Ipao, Itapaji, Igede, Iyemero, and Ikosu, adding that the company plans to operate on over 10,000 hectares spanning nine communities by 2026.

 He hailed the minister for the visit, saying it would unlock more potential while impacting more lives through the Agbeyewa innovations in cassava farming.

 “We began modestly in 2022, cultivating just over 102 hectares of cassava. Today, we proudly cultivate over 1,500 hectares across four farms. Our journey hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in resolving land disputes with host communities. “However, through transparency, engagement, and trust-building, we have turned once-hostile communities into strong allies.

By 2026, Agbeyewa will operate on over 10,000 hectares of land, with full support from these communities. “Agbeyewa’s vision extends beyond farming. Our 26-hectare agro-processing plant will soon begin operations, producing high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, ethanol, and electricity.

Inspired by the success of companies like Omnicane in Mauritius, which generates power from sugarcane, we aim to achieve even greater success with cassava.

 “The potential is limitless, and Agbeyewa is committed to leading this transformation. Our business model revolves around cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and marketing while also diversifying into equipment leasing and other value-added services” he added.

 Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, said that the government aims to double its cassava production from the current 2,000,000 metric tons to 4,000,000 metric tons by 2026.

 He sought for the support of the federal government in ramping up agricultural production , so that Ekiti can be on the map of where agricultural exploits thrive in the country and beyond.

I am impressed by what I have seen here today, considering that they did all this in 2 years.

I see wealth creation… I see food security which speaks to the President’s vision of renewed hope.”

The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing the cassava value chain, noting that Agbeyewa Farms’ integrated approach to cultivation and processing is a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports “Cassava holds immense potential not just for food consumption but also for creating wealth through its many derivatives.

We are committed to supporting innovative ventures like Agbeyewa Farms that prioritize both food availability and economic growth.

The first step is to visit and assess and we have done that.

The next step is to see what we can do to partner and assist to enhance the productivity of this laudable establishment.

Welcoming the Minister and his delegation, the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Oskar Aiyeleso, reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and empowering local communities.

“At  Agbeyewa Farms, we believe agriculture is a catalyst for economic transformation. Since we began operations, we have expanded our cassava cultivation from just over 102 hectares in 2022 to more than 1,500 hectares across four farm locations in Ekiti State,” Aiyeleso said.

“Our goal is to reach 5,000 hectares of cassava plantation while empowering local farmers through our in-grower and out-grower initiatives.’’

He highlighted the company’s recent MOU agreement with the Ekiti State Government to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cassava, emphasizing the project’s potential to drive rural development.

“Through this initiative, we provide farmers with access to machinery, inputs, and guaranteed off-take agreements, ensuring they benefit directly from our growth,” Aiyeleso added.

 Aiyeleso also shared updates on the company’s 26-hectare agro-processing plant, which is set to commence operations soon.

“The plant will produce high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, sugar, and ethanol,  enhancing our contribution to the cassava value chain,” he noted.

On  Agbeyewa Farms’ strategic partnerships, the Director of Strategy at Cavista Holdings, Mr. Kabir Shagaya, highlighted the company’s collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to improve cassava yield and quality.

“We work closely with IITA to ensure we cultivate the best cassava varieties for this region,” Shagaya said. “While the average cassava yield per hectare is six tonnes, our farms produce up to 30 tonnes per hectare, a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation.

 Agbeyewa Farms remains dedicated to its mission of becoming the most successful agro-allied company in Africa while fostering healthy, thriving communities through sustainable agricultural practices. About Agbeyewa Farms: Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, is a leading agro-allied company committed to transforming agriculture in Africa. With a strong focus on innovation, the company is spearheading a Cassava Revolution—aimed at transforming the process of cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and market integration, driving food security and economic development across the continent.

 Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, led by the Agbeyewa Farms Community Development Foundation (AFCDF), the company also drives impactful programs in Education, Economic Empowerment, Environmental Sustainability, Health, and Sports, fostering meaningful and lasting change in the communities it serves.